Immanuel College

## Overview Immanuel College, Novar Gardens is a private, independent Lutheran school offering a comprehensive K–12 education. The college combines strong academic traditions with a nurturing, inclusive culture and a broad program of sport, arts and service. With a medium-to-large student body and typical class sizes in the low 20s, the school aims to balance individual attention with opportunities for collaboration and leadership. - School type: Independent/private Lutheran school - School size: Medium to large (approximately 900–1100 students) - Class size: Around 20–24 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, academically focused, inclusive, community-minded --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: STEM, English/literacy, languages, and leadership development integrated across the curriculum - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, accelerated learning options, leadership programs and co-curricular enrichment - NAPLAN trends: Generally showing steady improvement over recent years, with strengths in literacy and numeracy and continued focus on growth areas - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:13–1:16, enabling some small-group and individual attention - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated EAL support, learning support (SEN provisions), and targeted tutoring or extension where needed --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Football (soccer), Australian rules football, basketball, netball, cricket, tennis, swimming, athletics, cross country - Strong teams or achievements: Notable regional participation with competitive school teams across primary and secondary levels - Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive music programs, ensembles, theatre and drama productions, arts clubs - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, robotics competitions and other STEM/academic clubs - Partnerships: Collaborations with local clubs, regional competitions and inter-school events to augment sport and performance programs --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying programs, clear policies, and student-led initiatives to foster a safe environment - House system: Structured house groups that support pastoral care, house events and peer mentoring - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site counsellors and wellbeing staff available to students and families - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition support to help new students acclimate --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds: Extensive on-site sports fields and courts - Libraries: Well-stocked libraries with study spaces - Science labs: Modern science laboratories for chemistry, biology, physics and hands-on experimentation - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles, rehearsals and performances - Tech/innovation labs: Contemporary ICT and STEM innovation spaces - Cafeteria: On-site canteen and dining facilities - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor play and amenity upgrades --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Commitment to excellence, integrity, service, respect and community spirit - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for senior students to take on mentoring and leadership roles - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, responsibility and resilience - Community reputation: Positive, supportive, and connected school community with active parent involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Strong emphasis on inclusion and creating opportunities for a diverse student body --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically start around 8:30am and finish mid-to-late afternoon, with structured breaks - Before/after school care: Available, including after-school supervision and holiday programs - Uniform requirements: Full school uniform with seasonal variations; guidelines for appearance and etiquette - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to regional bus routes and public transport options; coordinated transport planning for families - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or canteen services for daily meals and snacks - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the private/independent sector (generally mid-to-high range); occasional scholarships or bursaries may be available --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Common process: Online expression of interest, submission of documents, information session/open day, followed by an assessment/interview for entry years (often Year 7 entry and other year levels when space allows). Offers typically issued after reviews, with a defined timeline for acceptance and enrolment completion. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting list: Possible when cohorts are full; applicants may be placed on a waiting list and offered a place as spaces become available, with priority often given to siblings or families with established ties to the school. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry requirements: May include an interview (student and parent), review of prior school records, and sometimes an age-appropriate assessment; assessment formats vary by year level. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers: Considered where space exists, with an intake assessment to determine fit and timetable alignment. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A combination of strong academics, supportive community, broad co-curricular options, and robust wellbeing programs. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, collaborative, community-minded students who value academics, sport, arts and service. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment programs in STEM and languages, leadership opportunities, extracurricular clubs (robotics, coding, debating), strong sport and performing arts pathways. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, a parent portal, emails and SMS alerts, as well as annual reports and parent information evenings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Differentiated instruction, a mix of teacher-led and student-centered activities, emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and evidence-based learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support staff, targeted tutoring, EAL support, and tailored intervention plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification, one-on-one or small-group assistance, and collaboration with teachers and specialists to set goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: newsletters, parent portal, direct communication from teachers, and information evenings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Typical class sizes around 22 students, with opportunities for small-group work and targeted teacher support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - Wide range of sports (team and individual), music ensembles, drama, robotics, coding, chess and debating clubs, plus inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated ICT across the curriculum, use of digital resources to support learning, and emphasis on responsible technology use. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to bus routes and public transport; convenient park-and-scroll options for families; campus location designed for accessibility. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees reflect private/independent schooling; there may be additional costs for excursions, uniforms, and activities; scholarships/bursaries may be available. --- ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong academic program with support for diverse learners - Nurturing, inclusive school culture and sense of community - Broad range of co-curriculars across sport, arts and STEM - Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care - Modern facilities and dedicated learning spaces - Cons - Fees are higher than many public schools - Competitive environment in some programs - Place availability can be limited; potential waiting lists - Travel time for families living farther away - Uniform requirements and school routines may feel rigid to some families